Minggu, Maret 09, 2014

The relatively brief score offers generally rather low-key accompaniment to the film, the most arresting feature being the Irish tinge thanks to the pennywhistle and a lovely Morricone/The Mission-style motivic fragment that is used incredibly fluidly and serves as the main theme of sorts. These are explored most fully in the opening and closing titles – in between Elfman creates this kind of kaleidoscopic atmosphere which perfectly represents Damon’s character, a genius struggling with everyday life. Fluttering winds are used, there’s sometimes nervous tension from keyboards and percussion, a magical air from an occasional choir. On the surface it’s a little like a subtler precursor to James Horner’s A Beautiful Mind, but whereas Horner was as usual all about emotion with his score, Elfman has a much more intellectual, slightly emotionally distant approach and it serves its film perfectly.